Zulum vows to tackle insecurity, fast-track ongoing projects
Borno State governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to addressing the lingering security challenges in the state and completing all ongoing projects across its three senatorial
Borno State governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to addressing the lingering security challenges in the state and completing all ongoing projects across its three senatorial districts, declaring 2026 a year of consolidation and strategic recovery.
The governor made this known on Thursday during the first regular State Executive Council meeting of 2026, held at the Council Chamber of the Government House in Maiduguri.
Borno, the epicentre of the 15-year insurgency in the North-East, has witnessed gradual restoration of civil authority in many communities previously under the control or threat of Boko Haram and ISWAP elements. Thousands of displaced residents have returned to rebuilt towns, while the state government has invested heavily in reconstruction of schools, hospitals, roads, housing estates and public institutions destroyed at the peak of the conflict.
Addressing cabinet members and senior government officials, Zulum noted that although significant progress has been recorded in stabilisation efforts, pockets of insecurity still persist in some areas, particularly in remote and border communities.
“While relative peace has been restored in many parts of the state, we must not lower our guard,” the governor said, stressing that his administration would continue to work closely with security agencies and community stakeholders to consolidate existing gains and prevent a relapse.
He emphasised that 2026 would focus on completing ongoing infrastructure projects spanning education, healthcare, agriculture, water supply and road networks, ensuring that development is evenly distributed across Borno North, Central and South senatorial zones.
Read Also: Nigeria has witnessed 30 major positive macroeconomic shifts in two years, says Adedipe
Beyond security and infrastructure, Zulum said renewed attention would be placed on durable solutions for internally displaced persons (IDPs), many of whom have spent years in camps within and outside Maiduguri. He explained that the government would prioritise sustainable resettlement through housing development, livelihood support, agricultural inputs and access to essential services.
The governor also underscored the importance of strengthening the social protection framework to cushion vulnerable households against economic hardship.
“Another sector that we will focus on is social security. Social protection remains central to our agenda as we rebuild Borno for a better future,” he stated. “While we shall not relent in providing social amenities to our people, the need to expand social protection initiatives cannot be overemphasised.”
Since assuming office in 2019, Zulum’s administration has pursued an aggressive reconstruction and resettlement programme, earning both national and international recognition for its hands-on approach to governance in a post-conflict environment.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the State Government, Bukar Tijani; the Acting Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mustapha Mallumbe; and other members of the State Executive Council.
